ROBERTO MARTINEZ is urging his side to shore up their defence and beat the drop, with a new TV deal next season giving the Wigan manager hope for further growth at the DW Stadium.

Wigan face Stoke tonight desperate for three points after just one league win in their last 10 outings – and with Premier League clubs set to share a new £3.5billion TV contract, staying up has never been so important.

“It is true that the new deals are going to widen the gap between the Premier League and the Championship,” said Martinez.

“You need to make sure you stay in the first group because the benefits will be phenomenal for the legacy of the club in terms of the structure and facilities.”

With Ivan Ramis out for the remainder of the season, Martinez is short of defensive options and he will search until 11pm on Thursday, when the transfer window closes, to bring in a new face at the back. But he admits he may have to rely on the current crop to improve.

He said: “I do feel we are affecting the goal-scoring department by not keeping as many clean sheets as we could.”

It is true that the new deals are going to widen the gap between the Premier League and the Championship

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez

Michael Owen wants the chance to prove wrong those who have written him off.

Owen, who has started only one game for Stoke, is hoping to play against Wigan.

He joined Stoke on a free transfer this season after being released by Manchester United, with injuries ravaging his career. Owen said: “People have questioned it for the last six years. You always get questioned when you’re not playing.”